Dogs shot dead after spate of Shropshire sheep attacks

At least five reports of dogs threatening livestock were received over three days in the south of the county.

One dog was shot after killing two sheep and injuring six others at Upper Edgton, near Craven Arms, while a second dog is also believed to have been shot following a separate attack in the area.

Sheep have been targeted by dogs in Clunbury, Edgton and Diddlebury in recent days. In some cases sheep have been left "ripped down one side" Police are now urging dog owners to make sure they know where their dogs are and to control them.

Constable Anne Gutteridge, of West Mercia Police, said three of the attacks had been in the same area and investigations were taking place to determine whether it was the same dogs which had been responsible.

The first attack was reported at about 2.45pm on August 20 when police were called with a report that two dogs – described as looking like a sheep dog and a black Labrador – were bothering sheep around Clunbury. One of the sheep was left "ripped down one side" the owner said.

The next day at about 7.50am more sheep-worrying was reported at Wychwood, Edgton, west of Craven Arms. Then, at about 9.55am on the same day, at Upper Edgton, a dog was shot after a horrific attack. Constable Gutteridge said: "Two sheep were killed and about six injured, with their legs ripped. One dog was shot by a neighbour."

Constable Gutteridge said there were reports of a second dog being shot but did not have the specifics.

"If people don't keep dogs under control, there is every risk that it might get shot," she said.

"Our advice to farmers is always that they've got every right to shoot, and they know that and they will – because it's their livelihood at stake."